2020 Open Enrollment Has Started: Learn More About How To Receive In-Person Enrollment Assistance

Thursday, October 31st 2019, 1:39 pm

By: News 9

Health insurance is a complicated and confusing subject for many, and the choices you make on coverage can have a significant impact on the quality and cost of your health care. For Oklahomans purchasing their health care through the Affordable Care Act, there’s a great resource available to help guide them through the process of enrollment.

The Blue Cross Mobile Assistance Center will be traveling throughout the state during the open enrollment period from November 1 to December 15. The Mobile Assistance Center provides licensed experts to work one on one with individuals to guide them through the process of enrollment. Max McKenzie is part of the Mobile Assistance Center Team and said you can expect guidance through every facet of choosing a health plan for the upcoming year that’s tailored to your specific, individual needs.

First thing, we’re going to identify your health care needs, then we look at what you qualify for, and then look at individual health care plans. We want to make sure you’re in a plan that addresses your needs and what you can afford to pay.

For residents in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, the overall cost of health insurance through the ACA exchange is likely to increase this year. While the prices of individual insurance plans have largely remained the same, the amount of tax credits and subsidies available through the government has changed. With more than 85 percent of Oklahomans with individual insurance receiving a premium to tax credit from the government, it’s important for Oklahomans to check their coverage and benefits to see how this change will impact them.. McKenzie said there’s some concern that the change in overall cost could cause delays in enrollment or failure to enroll before the December 15 deadline.

“There’s some worry that people may start the process, find out their tax credit is going down, get discouraged and then think they’re going to come back later, and they don’t” McKenzie said.

While there are some exceptions to the enrollment deadline, including major events like giving birth, most that fail to enroll before December 15 will be out of luck and without health insurance for 2020. When the open enrollment period begins on November 1, McKenzie and his teams will be out across the state with the Blue Cross Mobile Assistance Center. Interested individuals should bring a pay stub or tax return showing their income, and tribal citizens should bring their CDIB or membership card.